PNoy promotes 12 Army men to higher ranks

ABS-CBN News

MANILA - President Benigno Aquino III promoted to higher ranks 12 Army Generals, some of whom are involved in the Yolanda relief operations.

Major Generals Aurelio B. Baladad, Hernando DCA. Iriberri, and Jet V. Velarmino donned their second stars during a ceremony led by Army Chief Lt. Gen. Noel Coballes today, November 18.

“As we take one step upward the ladder of our ranks, it is clear to us that this entails greater responsibility which the organization and the people are expecting from us,” Baladad said.

Baladad, the commander of the Army’s 3rd Infantry Division, personally saw the havoc brought about by super typhoon Yolanda. The Army units under him are among those responsible for the relief and rehabilitation efforts of the government.

He said what happened there is a test of leadership and management. He recognized, however, the challenges facing the country as a whole.

Barrientos, meanwhile, said the Army is ready to face the challenges.

“We represent various units of the Army and each of us is facing a unique challenge; we are however bound by a common commitment and goal of achieving a sustained environment suitable for progress,” he said.

He said the collective efforts that the public saw in the Zamboanga incident can also be expressed in the Yolanda situation.

On the other hand, Iriberri is the Commander of the 7th Infantry Division, while Velarmino is the 8th Infantry Division Commander.